Claritin (loratadine) is an antihistamine that reduces the effect of the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

INSTRUCTIONS

Take Claritin exactly as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Claritin is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not crush, chew, or break the regular Claritin tablet. Swallow the pill whole.

Measure liquid form of Claritin with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

To take Claritin RediTabs:

Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.

Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it on your tongue. It will begin to dissolve right away.

Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.

Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink water to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

If you missed a dose - take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.

DOSAGE

Adults and children 6 years of age and over: The recommended dose of CLARITIN (loratadine) is one 10 mg tablet or reditab, or 2 teaspoonfuls (10 mg) of syrup once daily.

Children 2 to 5 years of age: The recommended dose of CLARITIN (loratadine) Syrup is 5 mg (1 teaspoonful) once daily.

In adults and children 6 years of age and over with liver failure or renal insufficiency (GFR < 30 mL/min), the starting dose should be 10 mg (one tablet or two teaspoonfuls) every other day. In children 2 to 5 years of age with liver failure or renal insufficiency, the starting dose should be 5 mg (one teaspoonful) every other day.

Claritin can be stored at room temperature and should be kept in a dry place. Use it within 6 months after opening the foil pouch in which it is packed. Take each tablet immediately after removing it from its individual blister.

SAFETY INFORMATION

You should not take Claritin if you are allergic to loratadine or to desloratadine (Clarinex).

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking Claritin if you have liver or kidney disease

Do not give Claritin to a child younger than 6 years old without the advice of a doctor.

Loratadine disintegrating tablets (Claritin Reditab) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using Claritin Reditabs if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

FDA pregnancy category B: Claritin is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Loratadine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using this medication.

SIDE EFFECTS

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Claritin: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as: